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PHILIPPINE shippers should book freight early in October as typhoon-related disruptions, tighter air capacity and higher fuel surcharges could complicate cargo movements, while vessel schedules and freight rates remain volatile, logistics firm Dimerco Express Group said.

The warning comes as the Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 49.6 in September from 54.9 in August, signaling a renewed contraction in operating conditions.

‘October is still in the peak typhoon window, so flight disruption, flooding and vessel bunching at Manila and Luzon are likely,’ Dimerco said in its October Asia-Pacific freight report for the Philippines.

‘On air, rising fuel is lifting airline and trucking surcharges. On ocean, capacity is moderately tight, rates firm and schedules volatile-book early,’ it added.

Dimerco expects Philippine air-freight capacity to remain soft in October, although rates are generally expected to stay stable.

Capacity on routes to Europe and both the United States (US) East and West coasts is projected to improve, but freight rates on all three corridors are expected to increase.

For ocean freight, Dimerco expects capacity to improve across Asia, Europe and both US coasts, while rates are forecast to rise across all major trade lanes.

The logistics firm advised shippers to secure space ahead of expected demand and disruptions. It recommends booking air freight early, particularly for cargo originating from Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea, where available space is expected to remain tight.

For ocean shipments, Dimerco recommends booking one to two weeks ahead for intra-Asia routes and two to three weeks for long-haul shipments.

Global freight pressure

ARTIFICIAL intelligence, semiconductor demand and year-end retail shipments will support global freight activity heading into the fourth quarter, Dimerco said.

The Global Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.3 in August from 52.1 in July, reaching a three-month high and remaining above the 50-point threshold for a 13th consecutive month.

However, the logistics outlook for October is being shaped by several competing pressures, including the release of previously delayed China-US cargo, ocean congestion and capacity reductions around China’s Golden Week.

In air freight, Dimerco Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing Kathy Liu said current booking levels may not reflect the pressure that could emerge once delayed cargo starts moving.

‘Bookings look quiet right now, but that’s the calm before the door opens. Once held-back China-US cargo releases and ocean congestion pushes shippers into air, the space will face some constraints,’ Liu said.

In ocean freight, Dimerco said carriers are keeping capacity tight even as the traditional peak season extends into the fourth quarter.

‘Everyone expected October to mark the start of the slowdown, but the cargo hasn’t stopped and the overflow is still rolling forward,’ said Ted Chen, Dimerco’s director for Ocean Freight Global Sales and Marketing.

‘With carriers blanking sailings at short notice, the real risk isn’t port congestion; it’s space disappearing before you’ve booked it,’ Chen added.

Shippers were advised by the firm to prepare for blank sailings around October 1 to 7, which could increase the risk of cargo rollovers, and to keep alternative sailings available. They should also confirm equipment early and build additional time into delivery schedules.

Dimerco is also monitoring possible changes to US Section 301 tariffs affecting Asia-Pacific trade, the extension of the US-China trade truce to January 10, 2027, post-Golden Week capacity reductions and Panama Canal water levels that could affect capacity in the first quarter of next year.

For China-Europe shipments, the company said rail remains an alternative, with transit times of about 15 to 24 days, although truck restrictions during China’s National Day holiday could constrain first-mile capacity in early October.

A total of 294 Filipino seafarers have been deported by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) since the Trump administration intensified its crackdown on migrants, according to Ellene Sana, executive director of the Center for Migrant Advocacy-Philippines (CMA).

Sana said the figure had risen from the 270 cases documented during a forum for affected seafarers in September, as additional deportations and visa revocations were reported in recent weeks.

The crackdown has also expanded beyond arrests aboard cruise ships and detentions at U.S. ports and airports. In several cases, Filipino seafarers already back in the Philippines received notices via email informing them that their U.S. visas had been revoked, effectively preventing them from working on vessels that call on American ports.

Sana said the 294 cases may represent only a fraction of those affected, as the tally covers seafarers who sought assistance from CMA and the Los Angeles-based migrant rights group Pilipino Workers Center (PWC).

The growing number of deportations has raised concerns among migrant advocates and maritime workers’ groups, who say the visa revocations and deportations have left many Filipino seafarers unemployed and effectively blacklisted from future jobs at sea.

According to data cited by Sen. Risa Hontiveros in a privilege speech delivered on September 21, documented cases involved 171 seafarers, including several non-Filipino nationals, across 28 vessels, eight cruise lines, 10 ports of call and three airports. Among the locations where CBP personnel allegedly apprehended seafarers were ports and entry points in Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Texas and Michigan.

Among those affected is Timothy John Marquez, a waiter from Antique assigned to the Ruby Princess cruise ship, who said he was detained and deported by CBP in April after authorities boarded the vessel in San Diego.

Marquez told BusinessMirror that he and four other Filipino crew members were taken off the ship, handcuffed and interrogated before being accused of accessing child pornography, an allegation he denied. He said authorities refused to show any evidence and denied requests to contact a lawyer or a representative of the Philippine Embassy.

‘They told us we were already illegal aliens and that CBP had the right to deport us,’ Marquez said, recalling how officers allegedly pressured some of the seafarers to sign documents that were not fully explained to them.

Marquez said the experience left him unemployed for months. Despite repeatedly applying for jobs with shipping companies and land-based employers, he has yet to secure a new position.

‘The manning agencies may still consider us, but when it reaches the principals, they no longer want us,’ he said.

The issue has also reached the Senate, where Hontiveros called for a full accounting of the deportations and stronger government intervention to protect Filipino seafarers.

Citing a report by CMA and PWC, Hontiveros said Filipino seafarers were allegedly arrested, detained and deported without legal representation and due process, while their 10-year U.S. visas were revoked despite not being formally charged.

‘Mr. President, hindi ito isa o dalawang isolated cases,’ Hontiveros said during her privilege speech.

The senator said many of the affected workers shared similar experiences. Their electronic devices were allegedly confiscated and searched, they were asked to sign documents they did not understand, denied communication with their families and, in some cases, handcuffed and deprived of food for extended periods before being placed on flights back to Manila.

‘At pagdating mo sa Pilipinas, hindi pa tapos ang problema,’ Hontiveros said. ‘Because their U.S. visas had been revoked, some manning agencies refused to hire these seafarers again, even for routes that do not enter the United States.’

The senator warned that the deportations had evolved into an employment crisis for many maritime workers, whose families depend on remittances from overseas jobs.

‘So what began as a detention abroad becomes something much bigger. Nawalan ka na ng visa. Nawalan ka pa ng trabaho,’ she said.

According to Sana, deportation from the United States carries consequences far beyond the loss of access to the country.

She said affected seafarers often find themselves unable to obtain contracts with shipping companies because employers become wary once they discover a worker’s U.S. visa has been revoked. Several seafarers who had already advanced in recruitment processes were reportedly dropped after disclosing their deportation records.

‘Even outside the U.S., they are finding it difficult to board vessels again,’ Sana said.

The CMA and PWC have been documenting the cases since April 2025 and assisting affected workers in seeking legal, financial and psychosocial support.

In a statement supporting a protest by Filipino seafarers in San Diego, CMA accused CBP of carrying out arbitrary arrests, detention, deportation and visa revocations against Filipino crew members. The group questioned whether due process was observed and called on U.S. authorities to uphold migrant workers’ rights.

The organization urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and CBP to observe due process, notify Philippine consular officials of arrests or detentions involving Filipinos, provide access to legal counsel and communication with families, ensure humane conditions in detention facilities, and compensate workers who were deported without due process.

The group also urged manning agencies and ship principals to provide financial and psychosocial support to affected workers and consider deploying them to vessels that do not call on U.S. ports.

Hontiveros likewise called on the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs to account fully for the cases and strengthen mechanisms for immediate consular intervention whenever Filipino seafarers are detained abroad.

‘We need a clear accounting of the Filipino seafarers affected. We need to know whether consular notification occurred in each case, what assistance was provided, what became of their confiscated devices, and what remedies remain available to them,’ the senator said.

She also urged the government to help affected seafarers find work on non-U.S. routes and ensure that a visa cancellation does not become a de facto blacklist that destroys a worker’s maritime career.

The Philippines is one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, with many employed on cruise vessels that regularly call on U.S. ports. Sana said the deportation cases have devastated families who invested heavily in maritime careers only to see their livelihoods suddenly disrupted.

‘These workers were not convicted of any crime, yet their lives and careers have been severely affected,’ she said.

BusinessMirror has reached out to the departments of Foreign Affairs, Migrant Workers, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila for comment.

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is making waves with audiences and critics alike, earning a perfect 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming the platform’s currently highest-rated DreamWorks Animation film. Now showing at SM Cinema, the film brings its vibrant animation, emotional story, and Filipino-inspired world to audiences across SM Supermalls, giving moviegoers another reason to experience maxed out moments at their most loved cinema.

The film also made an early impact at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it received a five-minute standing ovation. Its strong reception has continued to build momentum, with critics and early viewers praising its inventive animation, anime-inspired visual style, and heartfelt story centered on friendship and memory.

Forgotten Island comes from directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the filmmaking duo behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Their latest film transports audiences to Nakali, a richly imagined world inspired by Filipino culture and mythology, bringing elements of local heritage and storytelling into a major animated adventure.

Adding to the film’s Filipino connection is Filipina actress Liza Soberano, who voices Raissa. She joins an international and Filipino roster of talent that brings the characters and world of Forgotten Island to life, including American singer, songwriter, and musician H.E.R., who voices Jo.

The film’s Filipino connection also extends to its soundtrack, which features performances from H.E.R., Filipino theater icon Lea Salonga, P-pop groups SB19 and BINI, the late Filipino music icon Francis Magalona, rapper Ruby Ibarra, and Carl Angelo. KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza also contributes a cover of INXS’ ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ to the soundtrack and makes a voice cameo in the film.

With its Filipino-inspired setting, Filipino talent, and globally recognized voices, Forgotten Island brings together a diverse creative lineup while telling a story rooted in friendship, memory, and the connections that shape who we are. Its colorful animation and expansive world make it an experience designed for the big screen.

As part of SM Supermalls’ commitment to delivering maxed out experiences, SM Cinema offers moviegoers multiple ways to experience Forgotten Island. Audiences can choose from Regular Cinema, Director’s Club, and ScreenX at participating branches.

Regular Cinema lets families and moviegoers enjoy the film’s adventure, humor, and heartfelt story on the big screen. Director’s Club offers a more premium and comfortable setting for families and groups looking to make their movie outing extra special.

For an immersive way to explore Nakali, ScreenX extends selected scenes beyond the main screen and onto the cinema’s side walls. The format brings audiences deeper into the film’s colorful world and dynamic animation.

With its perfect critical score, Filipino-inspired world, and stellar lineup of Filipino and international talent, Forgotten Island gives audiences plenty of reasons to experience the film in cinemas. Catch it at SM Cinema across SM Supermalls and enjoy maxed out experiences at your most loved cinema.

FORMER Prime Minister Cesar Virata, who also served as Finance chief of the Philippines for 16 years – including the tumultuous, difficult years before the 1986 Edsa Revolution-passed away on October 2 at the age of 95, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) announced on Friday.

‘It is with deep sorrow that the Bank announces the passing of Mr. Cesar E.A. Virata, our Corporate Vice Chairperson/Director, today, October 2,2026,’ RCBC said in a statement on Friday.

‘Mr. Virata was a valuable part of the organization being a Director of the Bank since 1995 and has been the Board’s Corporate Vice Chairperson for 26 years,’ the bank said.

Virata was also a member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-coinciding with his term as Minister of Finance from 1970 to 1986 under the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

During his term as Finance chief, Virata also represented the Philippines as governor to both international financial institutions World Bank and Asian Development (ADB).

Virata also served as the dean of Business Administration at the University of the Philippines in 1960.

‘During his term, the Master of Business Administration was instituted, and the MBA [part time program] was first offered in UP Diliman,’ the website of UP Virata School of Business noted.

In a statement, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said it will always remember Virata as ‘a paragon of statesmanship and management excellence for nation-building, and as a Filipino whose deep love of country was reflected in a lifetime of service.’ It recalled conferring upon PM Virata the ‘MAP Management Person of the Year’ award in 1981, in recognition of his distinguished management career in both the private and the public sectors.

‘Throughout his long and distinguished career, PM Virata exemplified the highest ideals of professional management and public service. As Minister of Finance and later as Prime Minister, he demonstrated exceptional stewardship of the Philippine economy, guided by managerial competence, professionalism, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the nation.

‘His leadership stands as an enduring example of how integrity, competence, and principled leadership can be placed in the service of the greater good. His life and career remind us that true leadership is not measured merely by position or authority, but by the trust we earn, the responsibilities we faithfully carry, and the lasting contributions we make to our country,’ MAP concluded.

Lacoste Watches brought its Fall 2026 Collection to the pickleball court on September 30 at Pickleball Junction in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, gathering media friends, influencers, and guests for a day that brought together the brand’s world of sport and contemporary style.

Rooted in Lacoste’s longstanding connection to sport, the event introduced the new season through an active on-court experience. A morning pickleball clinic gave participants an introduction to the game, while friendly matches later in the day added a spirited competitive element to the launch.

At the center of the collection is the LC33, a statement-making watch family inspired by the confidence and bold character associated with the iconic Lacoste crocodile. This season brings a more refined expression to the range through updated metallic cases, mixed-material details, and new color combinations.

The LC33 features a 45mm case engineered in shatterproof stainless steel, with metal and TR90 brought together for the first time within the family. The metal case is paired with a TR90 bezel, crown, and pushers, while a soft silicone strap finished with Lacoste’s signature Petit Piqué texture adds a recognizable brand detail.

With its integrated textured silicone strap and 10 ATM water resistance, the LC33 balances its bold proportions with functional details designed to move easily through the day.

The program opened with remarks from Judith Staples, Marketing Head of Lucerne Fashion Brands, followed by Cathy Porlaje, Lacoste Watches Philippines Brand Manager, who introduced the Fall 2026 Collection and shared a closer look at the LC33.

Representing the local pickleball community, Shery Cu, President of the Philippine Pickleball Federation, addressed guests ahead of the afternoon’s friendly games, sharing a few words on the sport and its growing community in the Philippines. She later joined the action on court as part of the day’s friendly games.

Across the courts, players competed through a series of matches as guests watched from the sidelines and continued exploring the Lacoste Watches display.

The competition culminated with Ricson Vergara and Derrick Ching emerging as the day’s winners, while Gavriyella Adoptante and Mariel Enguito finished as runners-up.

By bringing the Fall 2026 Collection onto the pickleball court, Lacoste Watches gave the season’s latest designs a setting in motion, one that connected the energy of the game with the confident character of the LC33.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is partnering with Hong Kong-based international hospitality chain the Shangri-La Group, to open a new coastal luxury resort in Nasugbu, Batangas.

In a news statement, the SMHCC said its new resort called Shangri-La Santelmo Cove, will rise in Hamilo Coast, a 5,900-hectare master-planned sustainable beach resort town owned by its parent firm, SM Prime’s Holdings Inc.

SMHCC Vice President for Business Development Neil Rumbaoa told the BusinessMirror that they have yet to finalize the capital expenditures to build the new resort. ‘We’re not there yet. We’re at the very, very early stage of planning and design,’ he said, but ruled out any capital investment from Shangri-La, which owns and operates their own hotels and resorts in the Philippines.

He revealed that the hotel management agreement signed with Shangri-La will be for ’15 years plus 15 years’ and will be in effect starting 2031, when the new resort is projected to open. A construction timeline has yet to be drawn up as planning and design for the new resort may likely extend into next year, he added.

Santelmo Cove is named after ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’, the balls of light which appear over bodies of water. The Cove has been declared a protected marine sanctuary, with a white sand beach front on which Olive Ridley and green sea turtles or pawikan occasionally lay their eggs. It is an ideal area for snorkeling and diving due to the area’s diverse marine wildlife and sea creatures, which include giant clams or taklobos.

Asked about Santelmo’s sanctuary status, Rumbaoa clarified that, ‘There are two sites in the cove that are marine protected areas, but not the entire cove.’ He assured that ‘We won’t build over-the-water structures in the marine protected sites, just probably a dock, which will be located far from the protected areas.’

He underscored that SM, through Costa del Hamilo Inc. (CDHI), also has a partnership agreement with the World Wildlife Fund for marine conservation and sustainable development projects. CDHI is the developer of Hamilo Coast.

For another, he said, ‘One of the reasons Shangri-La was eventually chosen [as our partner] is their experience in environmental protection and sustainability, having incorporated marine and nature reserves in their resort operations.’ He cited the nature sanctuary in Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu, and a giant clam sanctuary at Punta Bunga Beach in Shangri-La Boracay, as examples.

Shangri-La Santelmo Cove will feature some 40 villas and 50 rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to complement the natural terrain and ocean views. The resort broadens SMHCC’s portfolio across distinct hospitality segments and destinations in the Philippines, from city hotels and convention facilities to leisure properties and now, premium island destinations.

‘Shangri-La Santelmo Cove marks an important milestone in SM Hotels’ portfolio as we venture further into the island and leisure tourism landscape,’ said SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles in the news statement. It also strengthens Hamilo Coast’s positioning as a destination where hospitality, nature, and responsible development come together.

‘Our partnership with Shangri-La Group brings together two organizations with extensive experience in creating distinctive hospitality experiences in the Philippines. Together, we look forward to developing a destination that not only showcases the extraordinary beauty of Hamilo Coast, but also demonstrates how luxury and responsible tourism can thrive alongside one another.’

The Shangri-La Group is known for its pioneering service in Asian hospitality, with a global expertise in operating acclaimed resorts and hotels. The Batangas resort will be the Group’s only wholly managed property in the Philippines, unlike its five other hospitality establishments, which it owns.

‘Shangri-La Santelmo Cove presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the Philippines’s natural and cultural treasures,’ said Sunny Paw, Chief Operating Officer of the Shangri-La Group.

‘For more than two decades, Shangri-La has built a strong legacy in the country through our hotels and resorts in Manila, Boracay, and Cebu. The Santelmo Cove project is a natural and exciting extension of this journey across the archipelago, allowing us to introduce a new chapter of sustainable, nature-led luxury that reflects both the spirit of the destination and the values of our brand.’

SM Prime reported a net income of P24.5 billion in the first of the year, almost unchanged from the same period in 2025. Revenues from its hotels and convention centers increased by eight percent to P4.4 billion, year on year.

THE House Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARSc) has recommended an additional P20.86 billion for the agriculture sector in the proposed 2027 national budget to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with the anticipated effects of El Niño.

The proposed P20.864-billion increase covers the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), with additional funding directed toward agricultural assistance, irrigation and measures to sustain food production.

BARSc head and House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing said the recommendation fulfills the House of Representatives’ commitment to make the 2027 budget ‘El Niño ready.’

During deliberations, lawmakers stressed the need to prepare for possible water shortages and disruptions to agricultural production while helping farmers cope with rising fuel, fertilizer and other input costs.

The largest proposed addition is P10 billion for Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk, which Suansing said received no allocation under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

She said a similar P10-billion allocation in the 2026 budget benefited about 4.3 million farmers nationwide.

Suansing stressed the need to have funds readily available so the government can immediately assist farmers should El Niño materialize.

BARSc also recommended an additional P500 million for fertilizer assistance to help farmers continue planting despite higher production costs.

To improve access to water, the subcommittee proposed P125 million for solar-powered irrigation pumps under the DA, particularly for areas outside NIA’s irrigation coverage.

Additional funding was also recommended for NIA’s national and communal irrigation systems, pump irrigation projects, locally funded irrigation projects and the Pantingan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project.

The proposed agriculture package includes an additional P4.96 billion for farm-to-market roads and P500 million for the construction and rehabilitation of fishports.

Another P105 million was recommended for hybrid solar-powered ice plants to help reduce spoilage of fish catches.

BARSc also proposed P150 million for agricultural tram systems to transport crops from mountainous production areas and P100 million for high-value crops, with lawmakers seeking additional support for the country’s ube industry.

Suansing also called on the DA to improve its farmer registry and review its guidelines for distributing assistance following concerns that some farmworkers and fisherfolk have been unable to receive government support.

The proposed P20.86-billion increase forms part of BARSc’s recommended amendments to the proposed 2027 national budget and remains subject to approval in plenary.

Carlo Paalam fought solidly in the final third round but came up short ending up with a silver medal after losing via split decision in his gold medal round bout against Japanese Rui Yamaguchi at the men’s 55 kg bantamweight boxing final at the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games on Friday at the Nishio Gymnasium.

Paalam, 28, lost the first two rounds but gave everything he had in the last round against Yamaguchi, who tactically fought the Filipino and avoided a tough exchange in the closing round.

The 16-year Asiad gold medal drought remains for the Filipinos in boxing.

From superhero makeovers and dance challenges to world cultures and Halloween adventures, SM Supermalls gives kids more reasons to play, explore, and discover what makes them super this October

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this October? Consider the family weekend plans officially sorted.

This October, SM Supermalls is bringing the SM Super Kids Universe to life-a month-long celebration that puts kids at the center of fun, discovery, and learning. Across SM malls, little ones can step into different worlds to move, play, create, explore, and simply be themselves.

Because in the SM Super Kids Universe, every kid is a Super Kid.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a superhero, loves dancing to their favorite songs, enjoys discovering different cultures, or is already counting down to Halloween, there is something to look forward to every weekend.

Week 1: Let Their Superhero and Princess Dreams Take Flight (October 3-4)

Kick off the month with imagination and costume magic at the Superhero and Princesses Weekend.

Kids ages 4 to 12 can come dressed as their favorite superhero or princess-or bring an original character to life with a costume of their own creation. They can then take the spotlight with a short character introduction or performance, giving them a chance to show off their confidence and creativity.

Five of the best superhero or princess costumes will each receive ?3,000 worth of SM gift certificates.

Parents can pre-register their little heroes through the SM Malls Online App, making this a perfect excuse to plan a family mall day where dressing up is part of the fun.

Week 2: Dance, Film, Post, Repeat (October 10-11)

For kids who would rather dance than save the world, the SM Super Kids Dance Challenge brings the energy up a notch.

Little dancers can learn the official ‘Gala to the Max’ dance, then head to an SM mall with family and friends to record their performance using the campaign’s official jingle by DNA. Entries can then be shared on Facebook or TikTok using #SMSuperKidsDanceChallenge.

And because every great performance deserves a little extra motivation, 10 winners will receive ?15,000 each.

It’s the kind of family activity that turns an ordinary mall visit into a chance to create a fun memory-and maybe a video the whole family will want to replay.

Weeks 3-4: Take a Trip Around the World (October 17-18; 24-25)

Next stop: the world.

During United Nations, kids can celebrate the colors, traditions, and cultures of different countries by dressing up in costumes inspired by cultures from around the world.

Five grand winners will each receive ?5,000 worth of gift certificates, making the experience even more exciting for kids who love to dress up and families who enjoy celebrating diversity together.

Week 5: Halloween Is Happening at SM (October 30-31)

And, of course, October wouldn’t be complete without Halloween.

SM Supermalls caps Super Kids Month with Spooktacular Halloween, where kids can dress up as their favorite characters, creatures, or anything their imagination can come up with.

The celebration brings together a Halloween costume contest, a Halloween-themed fair featuring toys, costumes, and candies, and a Trick-or-Treat adventure. Trick-or-treat activities are scheduled for October 31 at 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM, while five costume contest winners will each receive ?5,000 worth of gift certificates.

More Than a Mall Day

What makes the SM Super Kids Universe special is that it isn’t just about giving families something to do. It is about giving kids room to discover what they enjoy and what they can do.

Across the month, SM Supermalls transforms its spaces into immersive Active, Wonder, and Adventure Worlds-experiences designed around movement, play, learning, exploration, and celebration.

For parents, that means more opportunities to put the phones down, spend quality time together, and watch their kids come out of their shells. For kids, it means a whole universe of possibilities where they can dance, dress up, perform, explore new cultures, make memories, and discover new passions.

So, whether your family has a tiny superhero, an aspiring performer, a curious explorer, or a Halloween enthusiast, make room on the October calendar for a trip to the SM Super Kids Universe.

Because this October, every weekend can be a super weekend at SM Supermalls.

Follow @smsupermalls and watch out for more details on activities at your nearest SM Supermall.

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said due process was observed in its enforcement of mobile broadband speed standards, and that telecommunications operators can still contest the daily penalties, including their basis, start date and duration, by responding to the show cause orders (SCOs) it issued.

The regulator made the statement in response to the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), which said fines were imposed on operators upon receipt of the SCOs, before they could answer the NTC’s findings.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Andres Castelar said the SCO is meant to give operators that chance.

‘The issuance of a Show Cause Order [SCO] is part of the process,’ Castelar said, explaining that issuing the order is part of the process. ‘It gives the concerned operators the opportunity to explain their side, present supporting evidence, and respond to the Commission’s findings, including its position on the daily penalties, its basis, reckoning point and duration.’

The NTC also rejected the chamber’s argument that operators were being penalized under standards that had not been clearly defined. It said the standards under Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 001-01-2026 were promulgated after the required public hearing, where telcos were able to participate and submit comments.

It added that operators had been ‘duly notified repeatedly’ of service deficiencies identified nationwide and were given ‘ample opportunities’ to fix them.

The regulator, likewise, said the law expressly grants it the authority to impose penalties to enforce compliance with service standards.

It also pushed back on the PCTO’s warning that heavy penalties could divert resources from network investment.

‘The existence of other investment or network expansion priorities does not dispense with the obligation to comply with these standards,’ the NTC said.

The commission said it will weigh the operators’ submissions and defenses in line with applicable laws, rules and procedures.

The exchange stems from the SCOs the NTC issued to Dito Telecommunity Corp., Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., which carry daily penalties of P100,000 per operator for failing to improve mobile broadband service quality.